Manchester United forward Antony has been withdrawn from the Brazil squad for September’s international fixtures following allegations of domestic violence from his former partner Gabriela Cavallin.
Cavallin alleges she was subjected to a number of attacks by Antony between June 2022 and May this year.
Antony denies the allegations.
A statement from the Brazil national team reads: “Due to the facts that became public this Monday (04/09), involving striker Antony, from Manchester United, and which need to be investigated, and in order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team.
“To replace him, coach Fernando Diniz called Gabriel Jesus, who was pre-selected on a list of 36 players, sent to FIFA.”
In an interview with Brazil news outlet UOL which was published on Monday, Cavallin alleges she was first attacked by Antony on June 1 2022 while she was pregnant when on holiday in Brazil. She claims he threatened to throw her from a moving car.
Cavallin alleges she was head-butted and punched by Anthony in a Manchester hotel room on January 15 2023 which resulted in a damaged breast implant.
She claims she also sustained a finger injury during an incident on May 8 2023.
A statement released on Antony’s social media reads: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family I feel obligated to speak publicly about the false accusations I have been a victim of.
“From the beginning I have handled this issue seriously and respect, providing the due clarifications to the police authority. The police inquest is under cover of justice, and therefore I cannot make its content public.
“However, I can say with confidence that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and more to be produced show that I am innocent of the accusations made. My relationship with Ms. Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal offenses from both sides, but I never practiced any physical aggression.
“Every time, whether in testimony or in interview, she presents a different version of the accusations.”
The Athletic has contacted Manchester United for comment.
(Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
